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Topic Review (Newest First)

01-07-2014 02:47 PM

Gretchen

Learn to be more assertive, just say, "No, treats - thank you" and put yourself between your pup and the people approaching to pet or stick your palm out like "stop" just say, sorry you cannot pet him.

The petting and treats would not bother me if I was specifically at a location for socialization. It was when I was actually shopping, picking out food, reading ingredients, etc. that the unwanted petting would drive me nuts as it took me twice as long to shop. It didn't take long for me to learn to be assertive.

01-07-2014 12:54 PM

trcy

The pet store employees have always asked before giving my dog a treat.

Nobody has ever pet my dog without asking. I may be intimidating. I don't know, but they never have. My husband took Riley out once and a woman walked up and started roughing him up around the muzzle. I was not pleased when he told me. I may have lectured quite a bit....

When I'm out with my dog my focus is on my dog and the people around us at all times. Or everything around us (other dogs, cats, trash can lids banging). If we're doing serious training I put a vest on him that says "do not pet".

I have allowed people to pet him, but they ask first.

01-07-2014 12:39 PM

newtexas

I just tell them that mine gets car sick. Used to be true and works as a great excuse.

01-07-2014 07:06 AM

David Winners

I politely, but firmly say, "my dog is in training, please do not pet him."

I don't ever allow people to give anything to my dog to eat unless I give it to them.

David Winners

01-07-2014 04:08 AM

SummerGSDLover

Good/bad for socializing?

Yogi is four months old and loves to meet people who I've already said something to. Otherwise he sits by me and stares, almost as though he's waiting for my cue that it's ok. Is this ok behavior? My husband said he's a "watcher"...
Also... How do you handle people walking up and petting without permission? It drives me nuts. I've been taking Yogi places a lot more lately to meet different shaped/sized/colored dogs and people. The gals at the pet store constantly give him treats and I don't want them to. How do I politely tell them to stop without making it awkward?